by Anthology
“It makes me nervous but, perhaps, it might go down better if you’re here with me.” I pressed closer and kissed his neck. “I like having you in my home. It’s right, but as much as I love it here, I prefer your cabin.”
He tipped my face up to his and met my gaze. “Why?”
“Your cabin looks more like a home and the views are amazing. My house is big and I thought it was what I wanted, but I’m not sure anymore.”
“Do you think you’re feeling unsettled because I’ve suddenly taken over your life?” he smirked.
“Think highly of yourself, huh?” I teased, moving to straddle him.
“I’m never too sure what to expect from you,” he admitted and winced. “I know what I want, but I’m also aware that you’re struggling.”
I brushed my fingers through his hair and smiled. “I’m nervous about a lot of things, and once we’ve told Miles and William, I’ll be able to settle. It’s important to me that they accept our relationship.”
“I get it,” Jesse agreed. “I plan on doing everything to make sure they accept me.” He grinned. “They’ll see how much I want to be with you, and how much I make you happy. That’s all they’ll want for their mother.”
“Sure of yourself, huh?”
“I am.” He smirked. “Now, how about you show me just how much you want me,” Jesse said, his large hands on my bottom.
“I’ll enjoy doing just that.”
Chapter Eleven
Jesse
Two weeks later, I glanced out through the gap in the curtains …waiting. I didn’t have long as I watched the sleigh glide on the snow up Kat’s driveway.
I smiled and turned to find Kat dashing through the living room.
“I have so much to do.” Kat gushed, carrying on into the kitchen. “They arrive in the morning, and I need to—”
“Take a ride with me,” I finished, following her. “I promise to help you clean, make beds, do any damn thing you want me to…as soon as you’ve ridden with me.”
She smirked. “Ridden? I like the idea of that.”
I grinned because my idea of riding today wasn’t the same as what I knew Kat was thinking. “You need to dress warm.”
Her eyes widened. “Warm? I thought we planned on getting naked.”
“Come on.” I grabbed her jacket, hat, and gloves before dragging her outside.
“Oh!” she whispered, delighted. “This kind of riding? It’s been forever since I rode in a sleigh.” Her arms wrapped around my waist and once she’d squeezed, she let go and ran to the sleigh, allowing Ted, the owner to help her on board. “I’m excited about this.”
I strolled forward, amused at how excited Kat was. Her face lit with delight as she patted the seat next to her. I chuckled and climbed in. A blanket was thrown over our laps and then we were off as I pulled Kat into my arms. “I’ll keep you warm,” I suggested, wiggling my brows when I met her gaze.
She snuggled closer, and whispered, “You always keep me warm, Jesse.”
Kissing her forehead, I held her close while I got my emotions under control. The fact she was in my arms and in my life was a surprise because I never thought she would look at me in the way that she now did. I’d known straightaway she was going to change my life. I just hadn’t realized that it would be in this way.
I never thought a woman would give me such a fulfilled feeling, one of love, and belonging, but she did. As I glanced at her in my arms, I cupped her face with a gloved hand and slowly stroked her skin. She smiled up at me and my heart expanded to near bursting. She was mine and nothing, and no one, would change that. I wouldn’t let it.
As we approached the town and the festive stalls around the town square, the sleigh started to slow before coming to a stop.
Kat frowned and looked at me in query.
“Hot chocolate, whipped cream,” I waggled my brows and laughed at the blush working its way onto Kat’s face, “and they may even have marshmallows.”
“You tempt me, Jesse Morales,” Kat mumbled, taking my hand. “I’m too old for this.”
“Heck, no way!” I placed my hands on her hips once we had our feet planted on the snow-covered ground. “I’m going to love you like you’ve never been loved before.” I smirked as I teased, “And I’m going to warm you up better than any hot chocolate can.”
“Good luck with that. Kat’s as cold and frigid as they come,” a voice behind us barked before he chuckled.
Kat and I froze before she slowly turned. “Mike,” she hissed but while her chin was raised, I saw her fade into the scenery. It was terrifying and I wouldn’t have thought that someone so vivacious and full of life could dull like that. “What is wrong with you? I thought we put all the anger behind us.”
Smirking, Mike raised his hands, “It’s just a joke Kat...but I have to say, I’m surprised you’re screwing the sheriff, considering you never seemed that interested in sex.”
It took me a minute to come back to my senses and, when I did, I whirled around to face the jackass she’d had the misfortune to marry. “Let me tell you,” I spat, while Kat clung to my arm to keep me back, “that Kat is the most giving woman I’ve ever met, and, if, for one minute you have any other opinion, then I suggest you keep it to yourself…because it looks embarrassing for you!” I snarled. “You know why? Well, I’ll tell you! It means that you have no clue how to pleasure a woman.”
“Jesse,” Kat whispered. “Let’s go. Please.” She tugged on my sleeve, which brought my attention back to her and the tears on her face, not to mention the audience we had.
I cleared my throat and wrapped an arm around Kat’s shoulders before I kissed the top of her head. “I love you,” I whispered before pulling away.
“You,” I pointed at Mike, “need to remember the facts. You are the one who left. You are the one who married the woman you were having an affair with while married. Kat is free to be with whom she chooses and that, just so happens, to be me. One day soon, she is going to be my wife, so you better get used to it.” I smirked. “She’s mine now.”
Ignoring the stares from Mike and the crowd, I led Kat toward the hot chocolate stand I’d been heading toward before we’d been so rudely interrupted. “He’s an asshole.”
“I can’t believe you said all that to him.” Kat avoided my gaze. “I’ve wanted to say some of that for a long time and you just blurted it out.”
I chuckled. “What I really wanted to do was knock his lights out, but as the sheriff, I couldn’t. I may do it if he has anything else to say.”
“My knight in shining armor.” Kat smiled.
“Do you think he’ll tell Miles and William?” I asked, only now worrying about Kat’s sons.
“They’ve only recently started talking to each other so I doubt it.” She bit her lip. “But, then again, I don’t really know. Mike obviously wanted to cause trouble back there, so maybe he’ll text them.” Shrugging, she turned to face me, walking backwards. “They listen to me, so, although I’ve been really nervous about introducing you to them, I know deep down that they’ll be okay.”
Snagging my hand, she tugged me close, reached up and planted a sloppy kiss on my mouth. “I think we need to wait to get back to your house before we start getting wet,” I whispered, tickling her sides.
She giggled. “I already am,” she cleared her throat, “wet, that is.” Kat grinned as her laughter filled the air and took a cup of the hot liquid offered. “Cream and milk chocolate, please.” She held her hand out and waited for the vendor to add the items.”
“The same please.”
“I love this. I usually treat myself when I’m in town to this. It’s so thick and creamy.” Her eyes slowly closed as a soft sigh left her lips. “Sweet too!”
Her words had me frozen in place with my gaze firmly on her lips, which curved upwards in a secretive smile. “Getting to you, huh?”
Wrapping an arm around her waist, I hauled her against my hard body and hissed when she wiggled on me. “You are asking for
trouble.”
“I thought you’d like the thick and creamy reference.” She stepped out of my arms and swirled a finger into the top of her drink. It came away covered in froth, my eyes narrowed when she slowly sucked her finger into her mouth, and moaned around the digit.
“If I didn’t have my jacket on and fastened, the whole damn street would see what you do to me,” I commented, taking her hand and leading her away from the crowded stall.
“You still hurting?” she asked from the corner of her mouth.
“Maybe.” My lips twitched because I refused to laugh so I quickly kissed her lips. “And the minute we are alone, I’m going to show you exactly how much, and pay you back for arousing me in public.”
“I thought I did that anyway.” She stepped back into the sleigh.
“You always do. I’ve been constantly uncomfortable since I first saw you.” Covering our laps with the blanket, I snagged another as well. “Wouldn’t want to draw attention to what I have planned for beneath here.”
Her eyes widened in surprise as she met my mischievous smirk, and confessed, “I’m in love with you, Jesse Morales.” She brushed the overlong hair back from my brows. “I have no idea how I got so lucky, but I’m not about to let you go.”
I held her gaze and cupped her beautiful, cold face. “I love you too, Kat.” I kissed her forehead. “I’m not going anywhere, unless you’re with me.”
She looked relaxed and content for the first time since I’d met her.
Chapter Twelve
Kat
Stretching my aching muscles, I turned over, and, when my hands met bed sheets, my eyes snapped open.
Where had Jesse gone?
I didn’t, for one-minute, think he’d left, but I’d have liked to wake up with him in my bed. I’d have loved to feast on him for one more minute before we would shower together.
We’d made love for most of the night, and I’d surprised myself with how my old stamina had kept up with his younger one. The smile on my face started to slip when I remembered Miles and William were due to arrive later today. My belly fluttered with nerves, and somersaulted when I caught sight of the time…and I wanted to hurl when I heard voices downstairs.
I couldn’t hear enough to be able to recognize the voices or what they said, but I had a really bad feeling about who it was. More so after our brief run in with Mike last night.
Groaning, I jumped out of bed, and grabbed my robe. A shower could wait until I knew who it was, and what was going on. No matter how much I loved my sons, I knew that I’d choose Jesse if it came to that. Miles and William were old enough to have a life of their own, which they had. It was now time for me to be happy, and they would eventually accept that, if not straightaway.
My bedroom door opened without a sound as I crept through, before shaking my head because I felt ridiculous. And once I started making my way downstairs, I peered over the banister, and nearly fell over when my eyes met William’s.
He stared at me as intently as I stared at him, although he didn’t have a blush creeping all over his face like I did. I could feel the heat and wouldn’t be surprised if Jesse could feel it. William wasn’t happy, but as I made my way into the kitchen, I realized that he wasn’t unhappy either. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
“I guess I caught you, huh?” he commented.
I blinked and raced the rest of the way downstairs, the heat on my face about to incinerate me.
“Um…”
“You caught me a time or two, so turnabouts fair play, right?” He grinned, and started eating the food Jesse placed in front of him. “He cooks, so that’s something right there.” He pointed his fork in Jesse’s direction, but I couldn’t move my gaze from my youngest son.
“So, um, you’ve met?” I mumbled, Jesse laughed, took me by the hips, and lifted me onto a seat at the breakfast bar.
I finally met his gaze and realized he was amused. “We’ve met. I’ve made breakfast, which was apparently the right move to make. I told him I’m in love with you, so we’re good.” He slapped a kiss to my lips. “Good morning.” He kissed me softly. “Talk to your son while I get your breakfast.”
“Okay,” I whispered, meeting William’s gaze.
“Lighten up Mom,” he drawled. “Dad called Miles and me last night.”
“Which is why you’re here earlier than expected.” I looked around, and frowned.
“I left Sam sleeping at the Inn in town.” He grinned. “I wanted to check out what was going on here.” He raised his brows and smirked. “Mom, we haven’t been formerly introduced though. So why don’t you do that. In fact, I insist.” He grinned, and obviously enjoyed putting me on the spot. “Mom?”
Jesse cleared his throat. “I’d rather we didn’t embarrass your mom.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and kissed the top of my head.
“Bummer.” William chuckled. “So how did you two meet?”
I looked up and watched the grin spread across Jesse’s face. “On the street.”
“What?” William choked.
Jesse chuckled.
“That wasn’t funny.” I shoved Jesse.
“It was. A little bit.” He kissed my forehead. “It’s the truth though.”
I rolled my eyes.
“We met in town a while back, but have, um, well, been together a few weeks.” I rushed. “I know it’s—”
“Stop there.” William reached for my hand. “Mom, it was a surprise walking in and finding a guy here who you’ve obviously”—he winced—“spent the night with. It’s weird. I’ll get used to it, or learn not to drop in unexpectedly. But either way, I’m glad you’re getting on with your life. I won’t worry about you as much as I have been doing knowing you have someone close looking out for you.”
“That means a lot.” A tear slipped down my face, which I swiped away. “There’s just one more thing we might as well get out in the open.”
William frowned, looking between us. “What?”
“Jesse is younger than me.”
The man in question dipped his face into my neck and whispered, “You’re going to be the death of me,” before he nibbled my lobe.
I swatted his ass, and heard a soft groan as something dug into my hip.
I’d made him hard!
The man didn’t have an off-switch.
I giggled, which raised William’s brow. “Sorry.” I grinned.
William rolled his eyes. “I already know he’s younger than you.” He shook his head and laughed. “Dad made sure of that.” He looked at Jesse. “Just treat her right and we won’t have a problem… Now that’s sorted I’ll leave you two alone.”
“Wait”—Jesse reached out to William—“I need you to know that the years between us, doesn’t bother me. It bothers your mom, and I hope she’ll eventually forget about it. I just want her happy with me. She deserves to be cherished, and that’s what I intend to do.”
I felt tears reach my eyes, and quickly wiped them away, but more followed while I watched William and Jesse stare at each other.
William was the first to clear his throat. “I don’t know what, if anything, she’s told you about her marriage, but I think with how accepting about your relationship I am, that should tell you something.” He smiled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my mom happy so I’m willing to be happy for her even though I’ll still be checking up on her.”
Jesse offered his hand again. “She’s your mom, I’d expect you to check up on her or visit whenever you want to. I don’t want you to think any of that will change now that I’m in the picture. I’d hope not anyway.”
“Just keep her happy.” He chuckled. “I’ll forget the coffee. I’m going to head back to my girl…after I’ve called Miles.”
With a kiss to my cheek, I watched my youngest make his way outside before I gave Jesse my full attention.
My hand slipped inside the band of his jeans and I tugged him real close. The quiver of his belly at my touch made me smile—I lov
ed how he reacted to me. He really was a deliciously handsome man. My hand drifted upward, stroking along his torso with a teasing tug on his nipples.
The silence between us wasn’t uncomfortable, and I enjoyed the power I had over him. Just my touch ignited his arousal, which I could see bulging behind his zipper.
Even though I wanted to stroke lower, I concentrated on his collarbone before I teased his nipples with the promise of my touch. I met his heated gaze, and watched his eyes flare with need.
It gave me a heady sensation knowing he desired me as much as I did him, and I loved it when he gave me the freedom to touch him and explore.
“I’m not sure”—he dipped his head, hovering over my lips—“that it’s a good idea to get me aroused when your son could reappear.” He captured my upturned lips, and everything flew out of my head. All I felt and tasted was the man in front of me, who held me as though I was a treasure.
The tip of his tongue teased mine and, before long, I was pulled up into his arms as he held me tightly against his hard chest. His mouth was hungry, but so was mine.
“You,” he panted, “I can’t get enough of.” He nuzzled from my chin, down to the curve of my neck where he buried his face. With a kiss, he met my gaze. “I love you, Kat.” He smiled, and brushed the hair over my shoulder, which sent a shiver of delight down my spine.
I ran my hands up and down his back as he held me close. My arousal took a back seat at just the feel of him holding me the way he did, knowing he loved me, and wanted to cherish me. He made me feel as though I was the only one he ever wanted.
Chapter Thirteen
Jesse
Kat held her granddaughter, Cecee, in her arms. Miles wore a bland expression while Jane, his wife, had been welcoming along with Sam, William’s wife. It was clear they were annoyed at their father’s antics in town, but Miles had yet to say anything to me, or more than a mumbled greeting to his mother.
